Versatile Quinoa Pilaf Recipe

Say goodbye to bland quinoa! This recipe delivers the fluffiest, most flavorful quinoa pilaf you'll ever taste. Inspired by years of experimentation, this recipe perfectly mimics the texture of couscous or rice, making it incredibly versatile. Use it as a side dish, a base for bowls, or even a light main course. This recipe uses canned tomatoes for convenience (ensure you have 4 cups total) but fresh works wonderfully too!

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 65 mins
Calories 199.6 kcal
Protein 11g
Rating Be the first
Versatile Quinoa Pilaf 37

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Versatile Quinoa Pilaf

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How to Make Versatile Quinoa Pilaf

  1. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, 2 cups of vegetable broth (or water), 1 cup of canned diced tomatoes (undrained), 1/2 cup chopped onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender and fluffy.
  5. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
  6. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional) and 2 tablespoons olive oil.
  7. Serve warm as a side dish, or use as a base for your favorite bowls and salads.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

0 g

Sugar

12g

Fat

5g

Carbs

9g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Versatile Quinoa Pilaf?

Versatile Quinoa Pilaf takes about 75 minutes from start to finish — roughly 10 minutes to prepare and 65 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Versatile Quinoa Pilaf?

Versatile Quinoa Pilaf has approximately 199.6 calories per serving, with about 11 g protein, 9 g carbohydrates and 11 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Versatile Quinoa Pilaf?

The key ingredients for Versatile Quinoa Pilaf are Quinoa, Tomatoes, Garlic Cloves, Onions, Olive Oil, Stock Cubes. See the full list with measurements above.

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